Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
A window pane that is broken, cracked or completely missing is usually in need of professional attention. Glass that is cracked is difficult for DIYers to repair and avoid aggravating the situation.
Start by identifying the issue. Gather your tools and work space, prepare it and take the necessary safety precautions. Making preparations for the window repair in advance will save you money and reduce frustration.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown in error or a pebble thrown by the lawnmower or bird flying into a glass pane can cause it to break. Depending on the type of glass and how it was put in the windows could require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a major project that requires removing the sash, the part of the window that houses the panes and frames. You'll need a contractor who has expertise in this process and the appropriate window in stock prior to starting work. A professional with experience will take out the current IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a new one in its place. They will reassemble the sash and replace the casing and seal the joints to keep moisture out.
If you're replacing a single pane of glass the first thing you need to do is to remove all the shards that are in the area surrounding the damaged piece. Also, you will need to remove the glazing compound and the glazing points made of metal that held the old pane. Be sure to wear protective gloves and gloves while doing this. Small chips of glass can cause permanent eye damage. A heat gun can be helpful to soften the old putty which allows you to scrape it away using a knife.
After removing the old piece of glass take a measurement of the opening and transfer the measurements to the new window. Make sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height of the frame that was previously used to allow for expansion and contraction. You can use traditional glazing putty or silicone caulk to seal the new pane.
Place the new pane into the window, and then apply a bead of caulk to seal the gap between the frame and the glass. Let the caulk dry prior to inserting the sash to the frame and nailing it in place. Apply the paint on the frame to cover the nails and give the window a neat and polished look. Contact a local glass manufacturer for an estimate if you need assistance with replacing windows. A trained, certified professional can safely complete the project and ensure your windows are shielded from the elements.
Broken Seals
A window seal is designed to create an air barrier between your home's air inside and the outside air which reduces energy transfer while keeping your indoor air warmer. Unfortunately, these seals could become damaged as time passes due to issues like fluctuating temperatures or humidity. One of the most common signs that your window seals have failed is a buildup of fog or condensation that isn't able to be eliminated from the outside or inside of your windows.
A reputable window company can repair window seals with relative ease. In reality an expert window repair service is able to complete this task within one hour or less. To fix a broken window seal, your window repair professional will fog the windows, fill the gap with Krypton gas or argon to insulate and then seal the glass unit around it without allowing gas to escape.
After your windows have been sealed they will be able to provide the same insulation benefits they did before becoming foggy. However, you might be noticing that your windows are a little more difficult to open and close than they were previously. Although this is not a major issue, it could be an indicator that the sash of your windows also needs to be repaired or replaced.
If your windows are under warranty, it's always worth contacting the manufacturer to inquire the possibility of a replacement. You may be eligible for a no-cost IGU (insulated-glass unit) in accordance with the quality of the window.
If the seals on your windows are failing and you're pondering whether to replace or fix your windows, the best option is to replace them. This will prevent the problem from happening again in the future, which will save you money and time on expensive repairs in the long in the long run. Additionally, replacing your existing windows with double or triple pane windows can significantly improve the insulating efficiency of your home. These newer windows are also much more environmentally friendly when compared to single-paned windows of the past.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot in the sill, frame or the mullions of old windows is not just ugly, but can cause structural damage. Fortunately, upvc windows repairs near me is possible to repair rotting wood, and a professional carpenter can do it quickly and efficiently. The most important task is to find and fix the source of moisture.
This could require a careful examination of the exterior of your home. Check for areas of wood that are in contact with dirt or masonry, especially those close to drip caps and windowsills, to be sure that there isn't any water getting in the way. Check for signs of excessive moisture like peeling or blistering paint, a darker look, and algae growing green on top of the wood. Also, be sure to inspect the floor beams, joints and framing to determine if the timber has rotted away.
Dry Rot is a fungus that can cause wood to be damaged from the inside. This condition can cause serious problems, even though it is not as destructive or as destructive as wet rot. It can also harm or weaken other materials, such as concrete, plaster and mortar, which come into contact with it.
Thankfully Dry Rot can be treated using an epoxy resin that can make the affected wood stronger and more durable than originally. The product is available in two types: fillers and penetrants. The penetrants are a strong adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used to reinforce and rebuild rotted or severely damaged wood and other materials in structures like walls, floors furniture, sculptures, columns and more. It sets to form a solid, durable substance that is indestructible to insects and water.
Fillers are adhesive pastes with high strength that do not shrink. They can be used to fill in gaps or holes. They are easy to use, however precision is vital. It is essential to clean the area prior to applying the epoxy in order to get rid of any splinters and tiny pieces of decayed wood. Prime the area after application to ensure that the epoxy adheres properly.
In certain situations there are instances where a large portion of decayed wood is so severe that it may be necessary to replace the window. A professional can assess the situation and give you guidance.
Refusal to Open
A window that isn't able to open can be a difficult issue. It's not only inconvenient but also dangerous when one needs to escape the flames of a building or wants some fresh air. The majority of windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be repaired by following a few troubleshooting suggestions.
Examine for grime and dirt if your single-hung or double-hung windows won't close or open. Over time, dirt and dust will accumulate within the window frame creating friction, which can make it difficult to move the sash. Cleaning the windows and spraying them with a lubricant is often a solution to this problem.
Moisture is another common reason for windows that become stuck. Over time, wood will absorb moisture and expand. This can lead to cracking, rotting, and warping. Moisture damage can cause paint to peel, which could cause the frame's alignment to be shifted. This could cause the window channels to no long align with the windows which makes it difficult to completely open or close the window.
If you find that lubricating the hinges and reinstalling stripped screws doesn't solve the issue, it might be time to contact professionals for window repair. This is a more difficult procedure that requires the removal of window sash. This is generally only recommended for those who are accustomed to working with power tools. If the window is damaged, it may be required to replace it completely. Based on the type of window and degree of damage, it could be necessary to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can help determine the best option for your home.